Take it from me, acne is no walk in the park. It could more accurately be described as an agonising whirlwind of an experience, laden with countless bumpy roads - just always feels like the end is never quite in sight. I've dealt with hormonal acne on and off for years and can testify to how brutal it can feel, when even the smallest of improvements is swiftly followed by another spot quickly rearing its head. While acne is a medical skin condition that should be dealt with by healthcare professionals, seeking out the right beauty products can certainly help, too.
Considering that a recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology declared a 'growing prevalence of acne among young people globally,' it is not a surprise that monthly searches on Google for acne-safe skincare is up by 1.5K, while searches for pimple-friendly make-up have increased by 1.9K. The trend proves that many, like me, are taking a conscious approach to shopping, seeking out the kind of products that are best suited to our skin types instead of blindly following the next big viral thing.
Luckily, the beauty industry is not short of products that are ready to cater to acne-prone skin types, across the skincare, make-up and body categories. But before you begin the beauty hunt, Dr Alexis Granite, founder of Joonbyrd and dual board-certified consultant dermatologist, explains there are certain things you should pay attention to when choosing your products.
How to shop for acne-safe beauty products
Firstly, know what is bad for your acne. 'Very rich products such as occlusives and butters, balms and oils tend to worsen acne as they can cause congestion,' says Dr. Granite. That means steering clear of ingredients like petrolatum, shea and cocoa butters, coconut oil, mineral oil, lanolin, and essential oils. Outside of acne-triggering ingredients, there's also scars to think about. 'When dealing with acne scars it's best to avoid ingredients that may cause irritation such as harsh exfoliants, alcohol and essential oils,' she says.
As for the ingredients you should welcome into your routine, 'non-comedogenic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin are well suited to acne-prone skin. Niacinamide can help reduce inflammation associated with breakouts, while salicylic acid, azelaic acid and clay are helpful for improving congestion,' Dr Granite says.
If you suffer with acne, it's advisable to look at all aspects of your beauty routine to treat the condition in a holistic way, which means looking to your foundations and shampoos as much as you do your skincare; any product that comes into contact with your skin can have the potential to exacerbate your condition. I routinely reach for lightweight, non-comedogenic (meaning non-pore clogging), oil-free (where possible) products that work well on sensitive skin to help minimise the risk of breakouts, and after years of trial and error, these are the beauty buys that I've come to rely on.
Shop: The Best Acne-Safe Beauty Buys To Try Now
The Primer
www.violettefr.com
We've all been there – you're gearing up for a big event and a raging breakout makes an unwelcome appearance. Thankfully, this innovative primer cushions the blow, literally. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and free of silicones, the kind-to-skin primer has been tested by dermatologists to function as a healing protective barrier with make-up priming capabilities all at once. So whether you're dealing with a blemish or burn, the clear, matte formula acts like a topcoat to ward off external aggressors and soothes troublesome areas while creating a smooth canvas for make-up that lasts sans shine or peeling.
The Foundation
www.lookfantastic.com
The worst-kept secret in beauty: this globally-adored foundation is found in the kits of make-up artists, beauty aficionados and A-listers the world over thanks to its seamless, second-skin finish, and buildable coverage. Oil-free and lightweight, it boasts a kind-to-skin formula that has never broken me out, and better yet its exclusive Micro-fil™ technology helps to improve texture and blur imperfections, too.
The Concealer
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Meet the concealer that has my heart, so much so I've stayed loyal to it for a number of years, exclusively using it for all occasions including my wedding in 2023. It is rich, creamy and does everything you want from a concealer all the while lending a full-coverage, filter-like, airbrush finish that will stay in place all day. While thick, the formula is non-comedogenic and won't be a pain for your pores.
The Contour
www.meritbeauty.com
This contour and bronzer in one is made for easy swiping and sculpting. Creamy and ultra-blendable, the sheer to buildable formula is consciously made 'without acne-triggering ingredients' for a soft, undetectable, and natural sunkissed glow.
The Blush
www.spacenk.com
Quite frankly this is the best cream blush out there. A little goes a long way and the creamy, blendable formula leaves my complexion with a soft (yet somehow punchy) wash of long-lasting colour wherever its applied. I am wedded to the shade Hope and you likely will be too if you love a cool, blue-tone pink. Plus, it won't clog your pores so blush away.
The Powder
www.sephora.co.uk
Mattifying is key if you want to mute out the look of shine and texture. I always wrap up my look with a sweep of Huda Beauty's viral setting powder, which locks make-up into place with ultra-refined pigments that are lightweight, silky and non-comedogenic.
Sameeha Shaikh is Grazia's beauty writer, working across all categories to bring you insights on the latest trends, industry news and the products you need to know about, viral or not (most probably viral).